What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I'm looking over some topo maps of the area I hunt. What exactly does a bench or shelf look like on a topo? I'm looking for good spots for this fall. I've been on alot of the area but its pretty big, about a 2500 acre chunk that I don't have time to look at. What other good terrain features should I look for?

Here is an image of the area.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

A bench mark is indicated with BM and anXusually with an elevation number. These areoften the highest points in that area. There are several different types of BM's, it gets somewhat involved. Like I mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to get a TOPO key that describes all ofthe symbolsin detail.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I don't think he's looking for a benchmark; I think he's looking for a bench... as in a small, flat spot alongside a hill deer use as a travel corridor. ;)

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

didn't

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Matt, benches can be tough to identify on topo maps, because often times bucks will utilize something that's only a few yards wide -- which won't show up on a topo or an aerial photo. In those cases, pounding the dirt is the only way to find those preferred travel routes.

Obviously, the closer the elevation lines the steeper the slope of the hill, or mountain. if you've got some really close lines, and then a space, followed by another series of closer lines you've found yourself a bench.

But... like I said, there's many a bench that won't show up on topos.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Oh, my bad. I should have read more carefully.:D:DWell that's easier. You'll find a bench were there are several contour lines spaced closely together and then a noticable gap in between the lines (contor interval), and then the lines become close again. This indicates a bench.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I would take a look right in the middle of the map. There is a number '35' to demarkate the grid square... just to the lower right of that number there is an elevation mark '900' just below it there are two elevation lines, then it goes flat for a bit.... that to me looks like a bench just off a point of a hill. Its just an area where the lines spread out a bit and if you can catch them running about forty or fifty yards down from a ridge.... thats usually a decent spot to investigate.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Greg Mo has it down and also important info in his second post.... depending on terrain it probably won't always show on a topo. Big ones yes in hilly ground, but small ones not so. If you're lucky enough to find the right one it's good year after year until the woods changes, or food, or pressure or something.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

To expand on Greg's post.... Keep in mind that in logging or mining country there will be benches dozed into the side of hills that will never show ona topo.

So if you are in logging or mining country they will be there... Just have to wear out some boots to find them.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I tried to use your map to show what Ithink could be possibly be some bench's but couldn't. So I used one of mine, two real good bench's in blue, the top one is obvious, the one on the bottomis not.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

This is one of the best bench's I've ever found, its a four mile walk in, so I don't hunt it very often.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Heres another awesome bench and theressaddle just to the south.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I would probably hunt down here on the river.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Hey grizzly,want to go hunting.:D

I can show you some tuning tricks and you can show me some hunting tricks.:D

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

i have to ask is that on google earth that topo system??? if so how do i find it ?

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Yea grizzly, I was down there for the first time this turkey season. The fields have been tilled and will probably be planted in some crop. There are trails all over through that bottom area. I plan on making the trip down there it's just hike to get there.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

OZ, I got my topo off of www.digital-topo-maps.com . I don't know where grizzly got that overlay but its sweet.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

You have the best of both worlds in this spot, the cover forces movement your way and theres a low point trough the tree line just below my (X). On the east side of the river, theres a bluff or very steep grad that I have marked in blue. This forces the deer that are in that big woods to cross the river "HERE" to the those agricultural fields.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I have to agree with Greg, you can find some general areas that look good from a topo. But after looking over topos of my new property and then actually walking it, there is SOOOOOOO much that doesn't show up on the topo. They just can't enough detail on them to pick out stand sights. You have to wear out a pair of boots do find all of the right spots.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Your right John, it takes allot of boot leather, find it on the map then fine tune it on foot. Sometimes I can pick thespot, sometimes the spot my be 100 or 150 yards from were I thought it would be.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

thanks, i know right where youre at now, i may just have to "float" the dry fork next year ;)

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

I just realized whatyou said, you can't pick out stand sights with a topo, not enough detail.:DYou'll have to come by and tell all the P&Y buckson my wall that:D:DIf theres not much contour in the land, stand sights arehard to find. But I don't have that problem, lots of hills, hollows, rivers and bluffs were I live.

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

RE: What does a bench look like on a TOPO?
 

Come on down Rory...It's all public ground and I doubt many people are willing to hike that far in. That's why I'm investing in a Lone wolf assualt and a aluminum game cart this summer.:D

Grizzly, yea I think that spot should prove to be pretty good. I'll let you know this fall...I'm definately planning on putting a few sits in down there.